Apparatus for heating, power, and refrigeration purposes



May 2s, 1935. A SCHWARZ 2,003,122

APPARATUS FOR HEATING, POWER, AND REFRIGRATION PURPOSES Filed March 2, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Hrm orngy May 28, 1935. A. scHwARz y 2,003,122

APPARATUS FOR HEATING, POWER, AND REFRIGEATION PURPOSES Patented Maly 28, 1935 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE @APPARATUS FR HEATING, POWER, AND

. REFRIGERATION PURPOSES August Schwarz, Chicago, Ill.

Application March 2, 1934, Serial No. 713,685

21 claims.

purposes; the apparatus being also adapted for refrigeration purposes.

My improved apparatus is so constructed that the medium to be heated is caused to flow in counter direction to the hot flue gases and wherein the flue gases are not permitted direct contact with the tubes or elements through which the medium to be heatecl is made to flow.

The invention also contemplates the provision of an apparatus wherein a heat exchange medium of high boiling point,-namely which will boil only at predetermined high temperatures, such as oil, soft metalrand the like-is employed for transferring the heat from the nue tubes or passages to the medium conveying tubes or coils of the apparatus. 4 Another object of my invention is the provision of apparatus in the nature of a heater orl housing adapted for the evaporation of a. refrigerant through certain of the passages or tubes; or whereby a refrigerant in the nature of fa gas may be heated and employed for power purposes to operate a primev mover.

The apparatus is also so designed that a liquid refrigerant may be expanded through certain passages of the apparatus or housing for the purpose of refrigerating the housing of the apparatus which is so constructed that air.

forl example, may be led or made to pass through the chamber proper of the housing of the apparatus in direct contact with the refrigerating elements or refrigerant containing passages or tubes; or the air may be made to pass through a proper fluid or water for moistening purposes in advance of its discharge from the apparatus or housing.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a boiler shell or housing which is especially adapted for utilizing waste heat, such as ilue gases from an existing plant; and provided with means whereby additional mediums, such as hot liquid and vapors, may also be directed through the boiler or housing in addition to the flue gases; while additional heat may be provided through the medium of the fire-box of the boiler.

The apparatus involves controllable means whereby the boiler or housing may be made to quickly function as a refrigeration apparatus; the housing being so constructed that the medium to be heated is madeto flow in counter direction to the flow of the flue gases when employed as a heater or boiler; and when used as a refrigerator the medium to be cooled is made to flow in counter direction to the expanded refrigerant passing through certain passages or tubes in the housing.

The apparatus is so designed that two mediums introduced into 'separate passages or portions of the housing may be heated at one and 'the same time, under different pressures, and

both mediums made to ow in counter direction to the flow, of the fiue gases; one of said passages involving a controllable superheater path whereby one of the mediums may be superheated in its passage .throughlthe apparatus.

The housing or boiler is so constructed that one of the mediums to be heated is brought into direct contact with the flue passages or hot gas tubes, while the other medium is heated by transference of heat from the hot gas tubes through the ilrst mentioned medium.

'I'he apparatus is especially adapted for high pressure work as the refrigerant may be heated, to a high temperature and high pressure to adapt it more particularly for power-purposes, as the apparatus or housing is so constructed that a heat exchange medium of high boiling point can be then employed in the housing or boiler and the tubes or passages containing the refrigerant submerged or embedded in said heat exchange medium and a more uniform transference of heat thereby induced.

The apparatus is also designed Athat when it is employed for refrigeration or air conditioning or cooling, air may be introduced into the flue passages of the apparatus; while at the same time a uld or fluids may be introduced into the chamber of the housing to serve as a heat exchange medium and also to be circulated through the chamber andemployed for other purposes.

The apparatus or boiler is also so designed that loss of the heat exchange medium will be prevented and in the event the heat exchange medium should vaporize at the forward or hotter end of the boiler, this vapor will be conducted to the rear or cooler end of the boiler, the vapor being allowed to condense; the vapor conveying conduit being preferably so arranged that the hot vapor will flow by gravity to the rear and cooler end of the apparatus.

The above enumerated objects and purposes, as well as other objects and advantages inherent in the apparatus, will all be more fully closed refrigeration cycle. .y

kFigure 4 is a top plan view with portions of the top of the housing or heater broken away to vshow internal construction.

part `of my copending application and covers matter taken from said application Serial No. 602,883, med April 2nd. 1932.

My invention, as exemplifiedl in the drawings, involves a suitable insulated shell or housing I0,

the bottom of which is provided with a suitable fire-boxv II which is preferably arranged for- `ward of the frontwall of the housing or boiler,

The fire-box lis provided with al ue extension or chamber IIIl which preferably extends throughout the length of the boiler or housing as shown in Figure 3. This iiueextension II* is provided at suitable prearranged points preferably with controllable dampers I2, I2 spaced apart. as, more particularly shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of controlling the direction of now or path of the hot gases of combustion as will hereinafter be described. Where a solid fuel, such as coal or the like is employed, the fire-box is, of course. provided with the usual grate-bar, as at Il, and an ash-pit I4 provided therebeneath. The boiler housing or heater I0 .is shown provided with a plurality of fiues or lhot gas tubes I I disposed vertically, their ends secured in the main top and bottom walls of, the boiler or housingfand with the lower endsv of the tubes communicatingwith the nue chamber II. of the fire-box II. The nues or tubes Il are preferably arranged equidistances apart and in parallely rows. as more clearly.V shown in Figure 4; with the upper ends of the flue tubes Il communicating with the dome chambers I8 which are shown extending transversely of -the apparatus, each dome chamber I6 having communication with a certain number of the gas tubes Il.

These dome chambers Il are shown preferably provided with/cover members I1 which may be hingedly connected as at Il so that proper access to the gas or flue tubes I5 for cleaning purposes may be had. As is apparent from the construction shown. the hot gases or products of combustion from the nre-box II (provided the first damper I2 is closed) are made to pass upwardly through the tubes I5 which are disposed in a vertical plane forward of the -flrst damper I2, and discharged into the forepart of the iirst chamber I8. These gases are then conveyed downwardly through the gas or ilue tubes I5 of that same set, but which are disposed in a vertical plane immediately rearward `of the first damper I2, and discharged into the extended ilue clamber II'l beneath the bottom wall of the housing or boiler and then caused to ilow upwardly through the set of tubes I5 arranged forward of the second damper `I2;

- existing plant.

communicate with the iiue chamber or extension II rearwardly of 'the second damper I2. These gases are then taken from this portion of the extended flue chamber II and Vconveyed upwardly through the set of tubes I5 at the rear end of the boiler which communicates with the last chamber I6 at the rear end of the ,boiler or apparatus; said chamber being prof vided with a suitable outlet.

The outlet'of this chamber I6 is shown preferably provided with a suitable exhaust or blower at I9 for inducing proper draft or'iiow of the flue gases throughout the flue tubes in the manner heretofore described;. the withdrawn flue gases then being conveyedv to a suitable 'I'he subject 4matter of this application is aj smoke stack.

preferably forward ofthe first damper I2, is

provided with an inlet conduit, a portion whereof is shown at 20'in Figures l and 3, for the purpose of introducing hot'iiue gases from an pmvided with a damper or valve-as' atf2| so `that passage therethrough may be controlled or shut oil. 'Ihis conduit 20 permits of the yuse of hot iiue gases from any other source to be employed either separately'or in conjunction with the hot gases from the fire-box II, if the latter is in operation; the gases introduced by conduit 20 being made to flow in the circuitous .or up and down manner heretofore described and the heat of the hot gases entirely utilized for heating the medium in the main chamber of the housing or boiler. The conduit 20 may also be employed for introducing air from a suitable source when the apparatus is employed 'whilethe outlet ends of the tubes 22 are ccnnected with headers or manifolds 24.

'Ihe tubes 22 are arranged in vertical series between the flue tubes I5,`as more clearly shown in Figure 2, with the ends connected with the vmanifolds or headers 23 and 24 which are arranged in the same vertical plane. That is to say, the apparatus is provided with headers or manifolds 23 and 24 in number equal to the different vertical rows of tubes 22, as more clearly shown in Figure 4; and the respective manifolds or headers 23 are all connected to each other by short tubes or nipples as indicated at 25; the respective manifolds or headers 24 being also connected to each other by similar tubes or nipples 25. The inlet headers or manifolds 22 have communication with a conduit or pipe 26 which is provided with an expansion valveat 21. The pipe or conduit 2l is shown connected with the top chamber of a suitable refrigerant condenser 28. The conduit or pipe 2B is also shown provided with a conduit 29 provided with a valve as at Il. The conduit This-conduit 20 is lpreferably The outlet manifolds or headers 24 communicate with a pipe or conduit 3i whichl has a control valve I2 shown preferably disposed between the laterally disposed pipes u and I3* which constitute, respectively, the-ingoing and outcoming legs or portions of a superheater coil 23h -arranged in the upper and forward part of the boiler, and within the first dome chamber I6, see Figure 4, where the flue or heating. gases are at a proper heating temperature.

It will be understood. of course, that the superheater may be placed adjacent the bottom of the boiler when it is intended merely to use waste gases from an existing plant and coming in through conduit 2l; and it will' also be understood that the superheater may have any desired and suiliclent number of coils.

Where the boiler is used for refrigeration orl air conditioning purposes only, there will be no need for the superheater, in which case valves I4 4and 35 in the inlet and outlet ends n and 33* of the superheater will be closed. On the other hand, with the valve .32 arranged as shown, it is apparent that all the iluid coming from the manifolds or headers 24 into conduit 3| will be made to pass through the superheater when valve 32 is closed.

The front end of the boiler or apparatus is shown provided with a conduit It (see Figure 2) which preferably communicates with the lower part of the main chamber in the housing. The conduit 3l is shown provided with suitable valves at 3l and Il; and between these valves it is also provided with laterally disposed pipes 3s and 4I each of which has a valve at 4i and '42, respectively. Conduit 30 may be employed for introducing a fluid, as for example water or oil, into the main chamber of the boiler. At such times, valves 4i and 42 `are to be closed, while valves 3l and 28 are opened.

Conduit 39 is more especially intended for the introduction of air into 'the main chamber of the boiler when the apparatus is to be used Figures 3 and 4, whereby for air conditioning purposes; at which' time,

of course, the main chamber of the boiler Iii may be provided with a sufllcient quantity of water through which the air will be made to percolate or lter.

After the desired quantity of water has been introduced. valve II is closed, valve 31 opened and valve 4I in air line 3l is thenl opened, while valve 42 in line 4l remains closed. Pipe 38 may connect with any suitable source of air supply and preferably extends upwardly into a plane above the water level in the boiler or housing i0.

Pipe 4l may communicate with any suitable source of vapor of waste steam which can be introduced through pipe 3i upon proper operation of the respective valves. With the pipe or conduit and valve arrangement shown, steam or any other suitable hot vapor or fluid can be introduced into the main chamber of the boiler, for use as a heat exchange medium for heating the fluid passing through tubes 22. If further heat is desired or necessary, the flue gases from an existing plant may be introduced through conduit 2l as previously described.

The opposite end of the heater housing or boiler shell, as at 43, is provided with an outlet conduit communicating with the main chamber' and provided Awith a suitable valve u, see the conditioned air, for may be conveyed to any desired point fluid or vapor which has been example. of use; or the introducedthrough conduit I't may be conveyed` to any other suitable point of use.

The boiler shell or housing Il, on' one of its sides, is shown provided with a pipe 45, which preferably communicates stone end with the upper forward part of the main chamber of the boiler, while the opposite end is shown connected with the main'chamber ofthe boiler preferably at the lower rear end thereof, see

Figure 1. The pipe 4l is provided with suitable valves as at 4l, 4C. With the pipe arranged as shown, it is apparent that a portion of any vapor or steam that may be formed in the main chamber may pass into said pipe where the vapor or steam will condense and the cooled portion of the condensate returned to the coolest end of the boiler.

The purpose of intermediate valve 46 is to permit take-oi! orreturn at a point between the top and the rear bottom of the boiler; and espe-V cially where the boiler is only half full of liquid. With the pipe 4l connected with the forward upper part of the boiler, even though the boiler is full, steam forms on top. the turbulence of the liquid when boiling induces a slight circulation in the pipe 4I thereby increasing heat transfer in the boiler, while the steam entering the upper end of the conduit will condense and be transferred back into the boiler either at the center or intermediate part or at the bottom coolest part, or at both points. v l

The apparatus or boiler. at suitable points, may be provided with fluid level indicating gauges, as at 4l, 4l; and with suitable pressure gauges as at 48, as well as with suitable temperature indicating elements or thermometers as at 49.

The housing or boiler. at a suitable point, is provided with a drain pipe Il having a suitablefvalve Il to permit draining of the main chamber of the boiler, see Figure 3.

In Figure 3 Ishow my improved apparatus in conjunction `with a closed refrigeration cycle involving a condenser as at 2l.

The bottom or inlet chamber of the condenser 28 connects with a conduit 52 which communicates with a suitable compressor 53, while the latter at its inlet end-communcates with a suction or exhaust line I4, which, in turn, has connection with the outlet pipe 3| coming from the headers or manifolds 24, as heretofore described, thus providing a closed refrigerating cycle through the apparatus.

Where the apparatus or boiler is intended for heating a medium passing through pipes 22, for example oil, air or other liquid, which would be introduced into pipes 22 by pipe 29, a takeoff pipe 55 is provided, having a suitable valve 58. In such instance communication with the suction or exhaust line i4 is shut off by means of a valve as at 51.

Where the apparatus is intended for air conditioning purposes, the main chamber of the boiler or housing Il is provided with a suitable liquid or water, for example to a level as indicated at a in Figurer3.

The air introduced under pressure through pipe 39, upon opening valve 4i and closing valve 3l, is made to pass through the water and in contact with the tubes 22 which now are functioning as refrigerating tubes by circulating a suitable refrigerant from condenser 2B through the tubes 22; while the conditioned air is then taken oil by conduit 43 upon o to be conveyed to the place of use.

Where the apparatus is intended for heating or power purposes, the main chamber of the boiler housing or shell .is provided with a suitable heat exchange medium for transferring heat from the flue tubes I5 to the iluid containing tubes 22, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1, where the main chamber of the boiler shell or housing is shown illled with a suitable medium at b. The medium. which is to be heated in tubes 22, is introduced through conduit 29 upon opening valve lil and closing valve 21, a1- lowing the medium or fluid to enter the respective headers 23 and to iow through tubes 22 in counter direction to the passage of the flue gases through tubes I5. The heated medium or fluid is taken oil? from the respective headers 24 by conduit 3l connected with conveying line 55 provided with valve 56. When desired or found necessary, the heated medium coming from the.

outlet headers or manifolds 24 may ilrst be made to pass through the superheater 8MM-33h, the return leg or end 33* of the superheater communicating with conduit 3i beyond valve 32, which latter must be closed in order to induce all of the iluid to pass through the superheater.

From the construction shown and described, it is also apparent that two mediums may be heated at one and the same time for separate uses,if desired, and both mediums made to flow in counter direction to the iiow of the flue gases.

Where this is desired, a fluid may be introduced through condiut 43 into the rear end of the main chamber of the boiler housing and taken oil', for example through conduit 36V, or through a valve controlled outlet 58 adjacent the upper forward end of the boiler. It is also apparent that with my improved boiler the vtwo fluids may be heated under diierent pressures and to different temperatures. For example a fluid may be forced through tubes 22 by-means of pipe 29, under high pressure, and heated by the medium in the housing and then superheated in superheater tubes 33D, thus providing a fluid under high pressure and higher temperature than the medium in the main chamber.

As is apparent from the drawings and the description herein, the apparatus may be quickly converted from'a retrigerating apparatus into a heating and power apparatus through the operation of valve mechanisms controllable atthe will of the operator' and this apparatus and its various methods of operation have been described in terms employed for purposes of description and not as terms of limitation, as

' modifications are possible and may be made without, however,

departing from the spirit of my invention.

WhatIclaim is: l l. In apparatus of the character described, a boiler or heater provided with a fire-box having a iiue portion disposed from front torear of the boiler at the bottom thereof; means lwhereby the flue portion is separated into a plurality of flue chambers; the upper part of the boiler being provided with a plurality of fluegas chambers; a plurality of vertically arranged flue tubes disposed intermediate of said flue porrtion and said flue-gas chambers; a pluralityV of horizontal medium conveying tubes arranged in vertical series intermediate of the vertically disposed iiue tubes; manifold means at the inlet ends and at the outlet ends of said medium conveying tubes; and valve controlled means whereby a heat exchange medium may be introduced into the chamber of the boiler or heater into contact with all of said tubes.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a boiler or heater provided with a fire-box having a flue portion disposed from front to rear be- 1 passages intermediate of the front and rear oi' the boiler or heater; flue gas take-oi! means at the rear of the boiler or heater; a plurality of horizontal tubes arranged intermediate of the vertical flue tubes; inlet means common to all of said horizontal tubes; outlet means common to all of said horizontal tubes; and valve controlled means whereby a heat exchange medium may be introduced into the main chamber of the boiler' or heater into contact with and to surround all of said tubes.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a boiler or heater provided with a nre-box having a flue portion beneath the bottom of the boiler; means whereby the flue portion is separated into a plurality of ilue chambers; a plurality of fluegas chambers arranged at the top of the boiler or heater; a plurality of 'vertically arranged flue vtubes disposed between said ue portion and said flue-gas chambers; a plurality of horizontally arranged tubesintermediate of the side walls of the boiler or heater and intermediate of the vertical ue tubes; inlet means common to all of said horizontal tubes; outlet means com mon to all of said horizontal tubes; superheater means arranged in one of said flue-gas chambers and having communication with said common means at the outlet ends of said horizontal tubes and having a valve controlled discharge outlet; and vvalve controlled means whereby a heat exchange medium may be introduced into the main chamber of the boiler or heater into contract with and to surround all of said tubes.

4. In apparatus of the character described, a boiler or heater provided with a ilre-box having a ue portion beneath the bottom of the boiler; means whereby the flue portion is separated into a plurality of iiue chambers; a plurality of nuegas chambers at the top of the boiler; a plurality oi' vertically arranged ue tubes disposed between the flue chambers beneath the boiler and the flue gas chambers at the top of the boiler whereby the flue gases are made to flow in up and down directions from front to rear of the boiler; a plurality of horizontally disposed tubes arranged in vertical rows between the ilue gas tubes; headers secured to the inlet ends of the horizontal tubes; headers secured to the outlet ends of said tubes; means whereby a uid medium may be circulatedthrough the bottom to top of the boilerra plurality of horiconveying tubes arranged zontally disposed fluid intermediate of said flue tubes, inlet means for introducing a duid medium into lall of said sec- I 2,003,122 ond mentioned tubes; outlet means common to 6. In apparatus of the character described, al boiler or heater provided with a plurality of ver- Y tically disposed iiue tubes extending from bottom to top ofthe boiler or heater; means whereby communication between the adjacent ends of certain of said tubes is established so as to induce the hot gases to ilow upwardly and downwardly in different sets of said tubes; means for introducing hot gases into the lower ends of the initial set of said ue tubes; gas take-off means communicating with the last set`oi said tubes and for inducing flow of said gases through all of said tubes; a plurality of horizontally disposed tubes arranged intermediate of the first mentioned-tubes; valve controlled means at the inlet and at the outlet ends of the second mentioned tubes; and controllable means whereby a heat exchange medium may be introduced into the main chamber of said boiler or heater and in contact with all of said tubes.

7. In apparatus of the character described, a housing; heating iiues extending upwardly through the chamber of the housing; means disposed beneath said housing for supplying hot flue gases to said heating ues; means whereby the hot gases are made to travel through the lues in opposite directions; evaporating tubes extending through the chamber of said housing intermediate and transversely of the rst mentioned ilues; means for introducing a fluid medium into the chamber of the housing in con- --tact with the fiues and tubes, and means includirig an exhaust fan for withdrawing gases from the heating ues.

8. In apparatus of the character described, a housing forming a chamber, evaporating tubes extending through said chamber; heating lues extending through said chamber; means for supplying hot iue gases to said heating ues, supplemental means available at will for supplying additional gases to said heating ilues; means'for introducing a uid into said chamber; means for withdrawing the contents of said chamber; and means including an exhaust fan for withdrawing gases from said heating flues.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a housing forming a chamber; evaporating tubes extending through said chamber; heating flues extending through said chamber; means for supplying heated gases to said ilues; supplemental means available at will for supplying additional gases to said heating ues; means for introducing a heat exchange medium into the chamber of said housing; and means including an exhaust fan for withdrawing gases from said heating ues.

'with the outlet ends of the final set of said tubes; 'a plurality ornorizonuy disposed tubes in said chamber intermediate of the rst mentioned tubes; means common to the inlet ends of said secondmentioned tubes for introducing I a fluid medium; valve controlled means common to the outlet ends of said second mentioned tubes for receiving the fluid medium therefrom; superheater means arranged in the path of the hot flue gases and communicating with said means common to the outlet ends of the second mentioned tubes; and means whereby a heat exchange medium may be introduced into the chamber of the housing to surround all o! said tubes.

11. In apparatus of the character described,

a housing forming a chamber; a plurality of tubes arranged vertically between the top and bottom walls of the housing; means whereby hot iiue gases may be introduced into saidA tubes; take-ofi means communicating with the discharge ends of the tubes; a plurality o! horizontally disposed tubes arranged intermediate of the vertical rows of the ilrst mentioned tubes; valve controlled means common to the inlet ends of the second mentioned tubes; valve controlled means common to the outlet ends of said second mentioned tubes; means for introducing a fluid medium into the chamber of said housing; and means whereby steam or vapor formed in the upper part of the hottest portion of said chamber may be condensed and returned to the lower part of a cooler portion of said chamber.

l2. In apparatus of the character described, a housing forming a chamber; means whereby a iluid or fluids may be introduced into said chamber to be heated or refrigerated; a pluthe discharge ends of said tubes; refrigerating elements disposed between the vertical tubes,

' compressor means connected to the discharge of said elements, condenser means and expansion means connected with the inlets of said refrigerating elementsto form a closed refrigeration system; and valve means including the expansion means whereby the elements may be disconnected from the compressor and condenser and the apparatus function as a heater or boiler.

13. In apparatus of the character described, a housing or shell; chambers arranged at the top and a ilue at the bottom of said housing or shell; a plurality of tubes arranged vertically in the housing or shell in communication with said chambers and ue; means whereby a heating medium may be introduced into said flue; means whereby the flue may be divided into chambers and the direction oi' ilow through said chambers and tubes may be controlled; take-v off means for withdrawing the heating medium; a plurality of tubes arranged horizontally intermediate oi' the vertical tubes; inlet means common to the last mentioned tubes whereby a iluid or gas may be introduced into all of said tubes; outlet means common to said last mentioned tubes for receiving the uid or gas therefrom; valve controlled connections communieating with the main chamber of the housing or shell whereby a iiuid or iluids may be introduced into said chamber to surround the tubes; in combination with refrigerating apparatus; and valved arrangements communicating with the inlet means and with the outlet means of said horizontal tubes whereby said apparatus may be employed for heating and power purposes or for refrigeration purposes.

14. In apparatus -of the character described. a housing forming a chamber; chambers arranged at the top and a ue at the bottom of said housing; a plurality of vertically arranged tubes for establishing communication between said chambers and ilue;.means whereby hot flue gases may be introduced into said flue; controllable means whereby the ilue may be divided into chambers and the direction of ilow of said hot gases may be controlled; take-oil.' means i'or said flue gases; a plurality of tubes disposed horizontally intermediate of the ilrst mentioned tubes; inlet means common to the last-men tioned tubes whereby a fluid or gas may be introduced into all of said tubes; outlet means common to said last mentioned tubes for-receiving the fluid or gas therefrom; valve con-I trolled connections comunicating with the main chamber of the housing whereby a fluid or iluids, may be introduced into said chamber and in contact with said tubes; and controllable take-oir means whereby the fluid or fluids may 'be withdrawn from` said chamber.

l5. In apparatus of the character described a housing forming a chamber; heating ilues extending through the chamber of the housing; means for separately supplying hot gases or air to be cooled to said ilues; fluid conveying tubes extending through the chamber intermediate of the iiues; inlet means common to the ends of said tubes for supplying all of said tubes; outlet means common to the other ends of the tubes; and means whereby a iiuid medium may be introduced into the chamber in contact with the ilues and tubes.

16. In apparatus of the character described, a housing provided with hot gas conveying passages and with uid conveying Passages; means for supplyingA hot gases to said flrst mentioned passages; expansion means and separately con-` trolled iluid introducing means connected with the inlets oi said iiuid conveying passages; valve controlled discharge lines connected with the outlets of said iiuid conveying passages; and

means whereby a fluid medium may be introduced into the housing in contact with both mentioned passages and withdrawn from said housing.

17. In apparatus of the character described, a housing provided with hot gas conveying -passages and with fluid conveying passages extending entirely through the housing and arranged intermediate and criss-cross of the ilrst passages, whereby said passages may be surrounded by a heat exchange medium, means for supplying hot gases to said ilrst mentioned passages, means for withdrawing the gases from said passages, controllable means for separately introducing a medium to be heated or a refrigerant medium into the second mentioned passages so as to flow in counter direction to said gases, means for withdrawing the medium from the second mentioned passages. and means hereby said heat exchange medium may be circulated through said housing.

18. In apparatus oi' the character described, a housing provided with hot gas conveying passages and with fluid conveying passages, whereby said passages may be surrounded by a heat exchange medium, means for supplying hot gases to said first mentioned passages, means for withdrawing the hot gases from said passages,

meansfor introducing a medium to be heate prising a shell or housing; heating passages disposed vertically through the shell or housing; means for supplying hot gases to said passages; means whereby the direction of iiow'of the gases through the passages may be controlled; refrigerant evaporating passages disposed through the shell or housing intermediate and transversely' of the heating passages; controllable means whereby a diiferent medium may be introduced into the second mentioned passages; means for introducing a medium into the housing toI be heated or refrigerated; controllable means whereby air to be cooled may be introduced into the flrst mentioned passages; and means for withdrawing said medium from the housing.v

20. In apparatus of the character described', a combined heating and refrigerating unit comprising a shell or housing; heating passages disposed through the shell or housing; means vfor supplying hot flue gases to said passages; refrigerant evaporating passages disposed through the shell or housing intermediate of the heating passages; means whereby different mediums may be introduced into the shell or housing, in intimate relation with each other and into contact with/said passages, whereby the mediums may be heated or refrigerated; and means for withdrawing said mediums, either singly or jointly.

2l. In apparatus of the character described, a combined heating and rei'rigerating unit comprising a shell or housing ue gasV passages disposedv through the shell or housing; means for supplying hot ilue gases to said passages; controllable means whereby air to be cooled may be applied to said passages; other passages disposed through the shell or housing intermediatev of the ue gas passages; controllable superheater means arranged in the gas es and communicating with the discharge ends of said other passages; arrangements whereby a refrigerant or a medium to be heated may be made to pass through said second mentioned es; and controllable means whereby the refrigerant or heated medium may be withdrawn from said passages. 1

22. In apparatus of the character described, a combined heating and refrigerating unit comprising a shell or housing adapted tobe provided with a heat exchange medium; passages disposed through the shell or housing; means whereby hot ilue gases or air to be cooledrmay be supplied to said passages; means whereby the tioned means being adapted to be separately or through the chamber; valve controlled means whereby a refrigerantor other medium may be circulated through said passages, a plurality of tlues disposed through the chamber intermediate of the passages; and means whereby hot gases or air may be separately introduced into said iiues.

24. In apparatus of the character described, a housing forming a chamber; refrigerating means for refrigerating said chamber; valved means whereby a fluid or iiuids may be introduced into said chamber; independent valved means whereby moisture may be separately withdrawn from said chamber while the ilrst mentioned valved means is in operation, and means whereby a heating medium may be conveyed through said chamber.

25. In apparatus of the character decribed. a shell or housing adapted to receive a medium to be heated and provided with hot gas e or passages, heat generating means provided with a ue disposed beneath the shell or housing and communicating with said passage or passages, and means whereby hot gases from a separate source may be conveyed into said ilue beyond the point of communication of the ilue with said tlrst means whereby the hot gases from the iirst mentioned means and the second mentioned means may be commingled before introduction into the ilrst mentioned passage or passages; said heat generating means and the last menjointly utilized, and means for conveying the medium to be heated to and from said shell or housing.

26. In apparatus of the character described, a housing forming a chamber and provided with a hot gas or air receiving ilue therebeneath, valve controlled means communicating with said chamber whereby a medium may be circulated through said chamber; a plurality of passages disposed through the chamber and communicating with said flue; controllable means whereby the direction of flow of the gas or air may be regulated; other passages disposed through the chamber intermediate of the first mentioned passages; and means whereby another medium may be introduced into and withdrawn from said last mentioned passages.

27. In apparatus of the character described, a shell or housing forming a chamber, valve controlled means communicating with said chamber whereby a medium may be circulated through said chamber; a plurality of passages disposed through the chamber; controllable means whereby circulation through some or all of said passages may be controlled; other passages disposed through the chamber 'intermediate of the iirst mentioned passages; and means whereby another medium may be introduced into and Withdrawn from said last mentioned passages.

AUGUST SCHWARZ. 

